Leap Launch Contest: The Loot

Here's a sneak peek at the loot we have for our Leap Badge/Launch Contest contestants. Don't know about the contest? It's easy. Snag a Leap badge, and post it on your Blog, MySpace, Facebook, etc. Email us at contests@leapbks.com with the address of the page where you loaded it. Why? One word: SWAG. For full contest details go here.

We're GIVING AWAY:

• Eighteen Advanced Reader Copies of one of three Leap Books titles will be awarded to book reviewers.
• Twenty Leap T-shirts and twenty Leap bags will be awarded to Leap Launch Party 2010 contestants.
• One Kasey Maxwell charm bracelet and Eryn McCain necklace will be awarded, as well as two hundred Leap buttons.

Wowza, that's a lot of loot. ;) Check out the Kasey Maxwell charm bracelet:

Gravestones: Art to die for?

Think gravestones are works of art? Why not try a gravestone rubbing?

You’ll need:

1. Rubbing wax (in whatever color you desire...red is cool.)
2. Masking tape
3. Large rolls of vellum or a nice lightweight cloth-like paper at least 24"x30" (may need larger sized paper for older headstones)

Directions:

Tape paper to headstone, make sure it's tight. Place the rubbing wax on its long, flat side, and gently apply pressure in one direction (usually from top to bottom in long strokes). Repeat until the entire image is showing. Remove tape. Roll up your paper to prevent damage. When you get home, frame your work of art.

Be sure to respect the gravestones. Leave them in the same manner you found them. For more on gravestone rubbings, check out the Geneva Historical Society - they're like the gurus of grave rubbings.

Below are some places where you can purchase supplies. They are only suggestions. Leap Books is not affiliated with them in any way.

Gravestone Art Wear: check out their gravestone rubbing kits.

Petersen Prints: here you can order your gravestone rubbing wax.

For more graveyard fun, head to our Leap Books Exclusives for a chilling free read by author Judith Graves, Old Flames Die Hard, and discover what might happen if your ex (the guy you’re still mooning over) asks to meet you in the local cemetery.

Then stop back to tell us what you liked best about our Exclusives. And if you have any suggestions for improving our site or our offerings, we’re all ears. And we’d love to hear your Halloween suggestions.

Leap Badge No.3

Alright, our third and more than slightly Halloween inspired badge is ready to leap onto your pages! This is the swag contest to end all swag contests, so don't miss out. Snag a Leap badge, and post it on your Blog, MySpace, Facebook, etc. You can even print it out, if it floats your boat. Check our blog every other week for another badge. Go ahead, hoard them all. We dare you. So far, there are THREE beauties up for grabs.

Email us at contests@leapbks.com with the address of the blog, MySpace, or Facebook page where you loaded our special nifty badges. Why? One word: SWAG. For full contest details go here.

Blood-flavored Ice Cream, Anyone?

If you’ve invited some vamps to your party, try serving this tasty treat. Makes two scoops—enough to share.

The fixings:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 12 tablespoons rock salt
• Add your flavoring, try crumbling candy bars, or add chocolate chips, or nuts—go crazy!
• 1 pint-sized sealable bag
• 1 gallon-sized sealable bag
• Ice

Here's whatcha do:

1. Pour milk, sugar, and vanilla in the small pint-sized bag and seal it. Shake it up to mix it.
2. Add desired add-ins (e.g., crumbled candy bars, etc.). Seal bag and shake again until mixed.
3. Fill the gallon size bag with ½ gallon of ice and add the salt.
4. Put the small bag inside the large bag and seal well.
5. Shake the bag for about five minutes or until the mixture firms up.
6. Scoop it out and enjoy!
7. Want it to have a vampy flare? Add red food coloring for a delightful bloody effect.

Well, OK, so it’s really only blood-colored. But it tastes so good, even vamps may forget the blood’s missing. And if you’re wondering why Leap Books is offering ice cream recipes, check out our Exclusives section for some bloodcurdling fun, including the free read, My Prom Date’s a Vampire.

Spooky Fun for Teen Read Week

Ready for some spooky fun? We're celebrating Teen Read Week (October 18-24) by offering free Exclusives from two of our exciting, new debut authors, Kitty Keswick and Judith Graves.

Teen Read Week, started by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) in 1998, is celebrated the third week of October. With the aim of getting teens to read, YALSA offers many activities for classrooms and libraries.

During Teen Read Week, readers of all ages are invited to take a sneak peek at Leap Exclusives. Check out the details: